Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sidestepped direct questions regarding whether he would support a universal health care plan that excludes gender transition treatments for minors during a Thursday interview.
During the discussion, host Saagar Enjeti pressed El-Sayed—who is running for the U.S. Senate against former Republican Representative Mike Rogers—to clarify his stance. Noting El-Sayed’s advocacy for socialized health care, Enjeti asked whether he would accept a universal health care model that omits gender-related hormones and surgeries for individuals under 18.
Rather than answering directly, El-Sayed shifted the focus to individual liberty and the scope of government authority. “What is government for?” he asked, characterizing state-level restrictions on gender transition treatments for minors as a form of “tyranny.”
“Rights are rights are rights are rights,” El-Sayed stated. He maintained that healthcare decisions should remain strictly between patients, their physicians, and—for minors—their parents. To support his argument, he compared his perspective to conservative backing for “right to try” laws.
When Enjeti noted that the candidate had not answered the question and pointed out that several socialized health care systems, alongside some prospective congressional colleagues, have moved away from supporting gender treatments for minors, El-Sayed deflected a second time. He accused the interviewer of prioritizing political gotchas over broader public needs.
“Here’s the funny thing about this question,” El-Sayed said. “You’re less concerned about whether or not people have health care and more concerned about whether or not some people are going to get health care … That’s what you’re focused on.”
Enjeti pushed back against the characterization, affirming that he does want universal coverage, while El-Sayed continued to speak over him. When the interviewer followed up by asking whether he intended to represent all residents of Michigan or only political activists, the candidate reiterated his stance on the fundamental duties of the state.
“Government should be about protecting your rights and fighting for your basic needs,” El-Sayed concluded.
